Barack Obama and Mitt Romney face off in the third and final US presidential
election debate, focusing on foreign policy. Here are the key issues for
tonight.

Obama: Would continue with a sanctions regime to put pressure on the Iranian government and its economy. Has dismissed "loose talk of war" with Iran but would use military force to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb

Romney: Would announce public "red lines" which Iran's nuclear programme could not cross without triggering military action and says the Islamic Republic should not even have the capacity to build a bomb. Would put US carriers on regular patrols in the Persian Gulf and eastern Mediterranean and favours a return to the Bush-era "missile shield" based in Eastern Europe if Iran were to quickly develop long-range missiles.

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Obama: Has provided "non-lethal" aide to the Syrian rebels, including communications equipment, but is wary of arming them directly. White House has made clear it does not favour military intervention but would become involved if the Assad regime were to use chemical weapons.

Romney: Despite tough rhetoric, Romney's position is largely the same as the President's. He has not proposed military action and supports arming the rebels for third-party nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Obama: Has ordered withdrawal of US combat troops at the end of 2014 but signed a treaty committing small numbers of American forces to counter-terrorism and training missions until 2024.

Romney: Supports the 2014 withdrawal but has said US forces might stay longer depending on conditions on the ground. Has been critical of the White House for setting "public timetables" for troop withdrawal.

Obama: Has vowed to track down the Islamist militants who stormed the US consulate in Benghazi. Denies that the administration tried to mislead the American people by initially claiming that the attack was the result of a protest that spun out of control.

Romney: Accuses the White House of failing to immediately acknowledge that the attack in Benghazi was the work of terrorists. Has criticised the administration to failing to take heed of repeated request for more security ahead of the attack.

Obama: Has made little progress on Middle East peace in the last four years but has vowed a new push in a second term. Has publicly clashed with Israel over settlement building in the West Bank but also opposed Palestinian efforts to achieve statehood through the UN.

Romney: Has hawkishly supported Israel at every stage and told a closed-door fundraiser that the Palestinians have "no interest whatsoever" in a peace deal. Publicly supports a two-state solution but in private questioned the viability of an independent Palestine.

Obama: Announced a pivot of US military strength towards the Pacific after decades of focusing on Europe. Set up a new government unit to investigate unfair Chinese trade practices but this has had little impact.

Romney: Promises to be more aggressive in trade disputes and would label China a currency manipulator on his first day in office. Has vowed to counter Chinese efforts to become a regional hegemon through closer military cooperation with Asian nations.